Firm Overview

At the Law Offices of James E. Crawford, Jr. & Associates, our legal team is led by Attorney James E. Crawford Jr., a dedicated Baltimore criminal defense lawyer and insightful author. When you or your loved one is dealing with an arrest or a criminal accusation, it can be a stressful and confusing time.
Contact our criminal lawyer in Baltimore, MD to schedule your FREE consultation!
Our legal team can provide you with knowledgeable and experienced counsel to help guide you through the legal process. With accomplished and passionate litigators on your side, we have extensive experience in the courtroom defending the rights of the accused.
We Serve Clients Throughout Maryland
Whether you have been accused of a sex crime, drug crime, domestic violence, DWI/DUI, or even a federal offense, our team at the Law Offices of James E. Crawford, Jr. & Associates provides detailed representation designed to protect your best interests. With in-depth experience in both state and federal courts, which Attorney James E. Crawford Jr. has put to use for countless clients. In fact, his book, ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂThere is Only an Opportunity for Justice,ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ has served as a go-to guide for helping those dealing with the criminal justice system.
Call (443) 720-7419 anytime, 24/7 to request your consultation with our Baltimore criminal defense attorneys.
Over 25 Years of Experience. Serving the Accused Throughout Maryland.
Attorney James E. Crawford did not always intend on opening his own law practice. For a long time, he dreamed of playing professional basketball. Along with that burning desire for the sport was the desire to do something big, something really astounding. By going to law school, Attorney Crawford traded one kind of court for another and made the decision to provide legal guidance to help BaltimoreÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs most vulnerable get their lives back.
The Law Offices of James E. Crawford, Jr. & Associates believes:
A great criminal defense attorney protects their clients at all costs
The American judicial system is the greatest product and system ever invented by mankind
This legal system, while great can be flawed. When broken down to its basic elements, it is simply an adversarial system where the best, smartest, and strongest party secures the best outcome they can. As a criminal defense lawyer, we think of the court of law and the end result being fair, just, moral, and equitable. We expect our courts to hand out moral and fair judgments in every trial. That is not always the case.
Discuss your situation with an experienced Baltimore criminal defense lawyer by calling (443) 7099999. We are available 24/7 when you need us.
You Are Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law
When people come to the Law Offices of David E. Crawford, Jr. & Associates after being charged with a crime in Baltimore, they want to secure the best result. If they have a prior criminal history, they may want to stay out of jail. Other times the accused is worried about having any kind of criminal charge on their record. The reality is that most people are simply scared to death when they are charged. They have no idea what to do or how to act, which is when an experienced criminal defense attorney in Baltimore is invaluable.
When you meet with our firm, we:
Get to know you personally
Assess the situation
Get into the facts of the case
Discuss your considerations and assessments
Talk about the possible outcomes
A good criminal defense lawyer will then analyze the law and very carefully apply it to the facts presented. The primary job of a criminal defense lawyer is to advise a client. Advice can mean explaining the law, the chances of success, and what could happen in their situation, as well as the mechanical process.
What a Baltimore Criminal Defense Attorney Does for You
We stand in your shoes during the court process to represent your rights and your interests. Our criminal defense lawyer wants to see that the government can prove each and every element of their case against the defendant. A lawyerÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs job is to simply protect the public and individuals from being prosecuted indiscriminately. Our law firm has handled a range of claims against defendants and is skilled in determining whether the state or federal government has a case.
WeÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂve taken that same fundamental thought process and applied it to all of our criminal defense strategies for clients throughout the state of Maryland and in Federal District Court. Because our system is an adversarial system where one party succeeds and the other one doesnÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂt, itÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs extremely important to use every resource possible. We are proud to be that resource for countless clients in Baltimore in our over 25 years of practicing law.

Maryland Criminal Law Advice
Representing People in Baltimore, Annapolis, Frederick, Bel Air and throughout Maryland
As a "serious trial lawyer" fighting for the rights of the accused since 1992, I have handled almost every type of criminal charge you may face in Maryland, from relatively minor crimes that can result in embarrassment and inconvenience to serious charges that can wreck your life.
28 Years of Experience Serving Baltimore, Annapolis, Bel Air & Throughout Maryland
There is nothing more terrifying than finding yourself or a loved one under criminal investigation. When your future is on the line, you need a skilled Baltimore criminal defense attorney to stand up for your rights. At the Law Offices of James E. Crawford, Jr. & Associates, we are devoted to helping defend clients from the charges they are facing. Our attorney ensures that your voice and side of the story gets heard.
We fight to defend you from criminal charges:
Child Pornography
Sex Crimes
Abuse of a Minor
Internet/Computer Crimes
Sex Registry
Drug Crimes
Theft Crimes
Fraud Crimes
DWI/DUI
Traffic Violations
Domestic Violence Assault
Immigration
Juvenile Crimes
Protect your rights now. Call (443) 720-7419 to schedule a free consultation.
We Have Successfully Handled Thousands of Cases Throughout Maryland
With over 25 years of experience, the attorneys at our firm have handled thousands of cases on behalf of clients in the state of Maryland. Many of our lawyers have spent nearly every day of their career in a court, providing valuable insights and rapport with prosecutors and judges across the state. We understand how unique and complex every case can be, implementing personalized strategies to guide you throughout the process.
Take advantage of these benefits as a client of the Law Offices of James E. Crawford, Jr. & Associates:
Work with Baltimore natives that are involved in their communities
Experience handling large-scale, notable cases
Honors and awards from Super LawyersÂ®, Martindale-HubbellÂ®, and more
Belief in the need to protect clients at every possible cost
Contact the Law Offices of James E. Crawford, Jr. & Associates
The sooner that you have a lawyer working on your case, the stronger your defense. We are able to stand by your side from start to finish to put the law on your side. We challenge the stateâs case against you to secure your best possible outcome. Our Baltimore criminal defense lawyer has seen clientâs cases harmed by their delay in retaining representation â do not make that mistake.
Set up a Telelaw video chat and speak to a lawyer now!
Call us at (443) 7099999. We can begin your defense as soon as possible.

What distinguishes your law firm from others?

About the Law Offices of James E. Crawford, Jr. & Associates
Over 28 Years of Experience. Serving the Accused Throughout Maryland.
Attorney James E. Crawford did not always intend on opening his own law practice. For a long time, he dreamed of playing professional basketball. Along with that burning desire for the sport was the desire to do something big, something really astounding. By going to law school, Attorney Crawford traded one kind of court for another and made the decision to provide legal guidance to help Baltimoreâs most vulnerable get their lives back.
The Law Offices of James E. Crawford, Jr. & Associates believes:
A great criminal defense attorney protects their clients at all costs
The American judicial system is the greatest product and system ever invented by mankind
This legal system, while great can be flawed. When broken down to its basic elements, it is simply an adversarial system where the best, smartest, and strongest party secures the best outcome they can. As a criminal defense lawyer, we think of the court of law and the end result being fair, just, moral, and equitable. We expect our courts to hand out moral and fair judgments in every trial. That is not always the case.
Discuss your situation with an experienced Baltimore criminal defense lawyer by calling (443) 720-7419. We are available 24/7 when you need an advocate.
You Are Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law
When people come to the Law Offices of David E. Crawford, Jr. & Associates after being charged with a crime in Baltimore, they want to secure the best result. If they have a prior criminal history, they may want to stay out of jail. Other times the accused is worried about having any kind of criminal charge on their record. The reality is that most people are simply scared to death when they are charged. They have no idea what to do or how to act, which is when an experienced criminal defense attorney in Baltimore is invaluable.
When you meet with our firm, we:
Get to know you personally
Assess the situation
Get into the facts of the case
Discuss your considerations and assessments
Talk about the possible outcomes
A good criminal defense lawyer will then analyze the law and very carefully apply it to the facts presented. The primary job of a criminal defense lawyer is to advise a client. Advice can mean explaining the law, the chances of success, and what could happen in their situation, as well as the mechanical process.
What a Baltimore Criminal Defense Attorney Does for You
We stand in your shoes during the court process to represent your rights and your interests. Our criminal defense lawyer wants to see that the government can prove each and every element of their case against the defendant. A lawyerâs job is to simply protect the public and individuals from being prosecuted indiscriminately. Our law firm has handled a range of claims against defendants and is skilled in determining whether the state or federal government has a case.
Weâve taken that same fundamental thought process and applied it to all of our criminal defense strategies for clients throughout the state of Maryland and in Federal District Court. Because our system is an adversarial system where one party succeeds and the other one doesnât, itâs extremely important to use every resource possible. We are proud to be that resource for countless clients in Baltimore in our over 25 years of practicing law.
History of the James E Crawford Jr. & Associates, LLC Law Firm
The firm was founded by James Crawford Jr. in 1991, in Baltimore Maryland. Originally, it was just Jim practicing law. Because of Jimâs background in civil litigation and representing insurance companies, he began doing civil work, criminal and domestic. He worked for insurance companies doing serious civil litigation such as wrongful death cases, major truck accidents, etc.
As a young lawyer, he had been groomed by other more experienced well-known lawyers such as Patrick OâDoherty, Peter Angelos, Thomas Mankin and of course his father James Crawford Sr.
Jim made his first employee hire about 2 years after he began practicing. The truth is, he couldnât afford an employee for a while until the wheel started turning, which they did very quickly!
He hired Dawn Basso as a legal secretary. Dawn has been with the firm since 1992 and now is the office Manager. Twelve years ago he hired Zack Gooves who had evolved into one of the premier leading young domestic lawyers in the state of Maryland. He is recognized by Judges, lawyer, scholars, and clients throughout the entire state.
Over the years the firm evolved into a premier mid-sized law firm.
Call us now at 4437099999 to set up an appointment or TELLAW VIDEO CHAT to speak with a lawyer now.

Brooke Irving

I graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park where I obtained my B.A. in Psychology. I then attended the University of Maryland School of Law and received my Juris Doctor. During law school I worked for several non-profit organizations and also interned with the State's Attorney's Office. After law school I clerked for The Honorable Judge Sherrie R. Bailey in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County. Subsequently, I began practicing Criminal Defense and Domestic law with the Law Office of James E. Crawford, Jr. & Associates, LLC.
Areas of Practice

Criminal Defense
Domestic Law

Bar Admissions

Maryland, 2012

Education

University of Maryland School of Law, Baltimore, Maryland
J.D.
University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland
B.A.

David Lomke

Attorney David Z. Lomke
After earning his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, Attorney Lomke attended Albany Law School in upstate New York for his formal legal training. After a successful first year, he was invited to become a member of the prestigious Albany Law Review. His level of work on the Albany Law Review led to being named Associate Editor.

As a Maryland native, Attorney Lomke returned to Maryland to attend the University of Maryland School of Law, graduating cum laude. He opened his own domestic litigation firm in Baltimore. In 2017, Attorney Lomke joined the renowned team at the Law Offices of James E. Crawford, Jr. & Associates as an associate attorney focused on domestic litigation.

Physically & Intellectually Competitive
As a lawyer, Attorney Lomke is strongly focused on developing client relations and finding the most effective and cost-friendly solution for clients. Every single case and client that comes to the Law Offices of James E. Crawford, Jr. & Associates present their own unique challenges. By creating individualized, client-focused approaches to law, every criminal defense lawyer empowers clients to make the right choice for their situation.

Both inside and outside of the law firm, Attorney Lomke is fiercely competitive and physically and intellectually pushes his limits. He plays a myriad of sports, including soccer. He serves as captain of FC Baltimore soccer tea. He spends the colder months backcountry skiing and loves spending time with his family whenever possible.

Bar Admissions
Maryland Bar
United States District Court of Maryland
Education
University of Baltimore School of Law, cum laude
University of Maryland, College Park

James E. Crawford

Attorney James E. Crawford, Jr.
Founder and Managing Partner
As a Baltimore-native, Attorney James Crawford grew up watching his father interact with some of the best judges and prosecutors in the state, using forcefulness and grace to navigate complex legal situations. He learned that the power to change the life of even one client is worth more than any amount of money or prestige.

As one of the most capable and tenacious trial lawyers in Maryland, he has enjoyed an extraordinary amount of successes on behalf of clients, spending just about every day of his working career in a Maryland courtroom.

The Founding of His Own Firm
In 1992, he founded the Law Offices of James E. Crawford, Jr. & Associates to address the need for a qualified criminal lawyer in Baltimore. He has established himself as a premier practitioner in the state of Maryland and has represented thousands of clients on:

District Court
Circuit Court
Federal Court
Since entering private practice, Attorney Crawford has handled many notable cases that have appeared in the media. The type of cases ranges from ordinary citizens to police officers, professional athletes, lawyer, doctors, politicians, and other persons of notoriety.

Background and Experience
When elected to the Democratic Central Committee in 1984, Attorney Crawford was one of the youngest elected state officials in the history of Maryland. In addition, he has experience working on various races, including:
City Council
Mayoral
Attorney General
State Senate
Delegate
County Executive
State Central Committee
Gubernatorial
This experience of campaigning and meeting the people of Baltimore gave him the winning formula needed to successfully defend clients in courts.

Community Service
He established the Baltimore Beez, a charity group aimed at providing food to the hungry during the holiday season and providing support to other charities in Baltimore. As an executive board member of Mount Saint Joseph High School, he has devoted time and assistance to the school, including a baseball stadium.

License

Bar Number: Maryland State Bar a
Maryland, 1993

Education

U of BMaster of Art Legal, 1987

University of Baltimore School of LawJuris Doctor, 1992

Jeff Griffith

Associate Attorney Jeffrey Griffith
As an undergraduate student at Mount St. Mary’s University, Attorney Jeffrey Griffith developed a strong passion and interest in the law. He took an extensive interest in the tenets of argument and logic espoused by philosophers such as Socrates and Thomas Aquinas. Understanding the practical application of these elements in daily life, Attorney Griffith applied his knowledge toward a law degree.

Attorney Griffith attended the Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law. Here, he was the associate editor of the Catholic Law Review, garnering invaluable insight into legal writing and persuasion. He graduated cum laude and received employment as a law clerk for the Honorable Chief Judge C. Philip Nichols Jr. in Prince George’s County. This experience gave him the insider opportunity to observe and study litigation and motions practice.

Once his clerkship was completed, Attorney Griffith joined the Law Offices of James E. Crawford, Jr. & Associates. He is an associate attorney that primarily works in criminal litigation. Attorney Griffith is known for treating all clients with respect, compassion, and dignity while seeking their best possible outcome.

Highly Qualified to Represent You
Attorney Griffith is a skilled negotiator, aggressively finding holes in the prosecution’s allegations and finding a path to secure every client’s best outcome. We have a reputation for diligent work and dedication to every single client. When you choose the Law Offices of James E. Crawford, Jr. & Associates, you are putting superior legal representation in your corner.

Mark Sobel

Attorney Mark Sobel
Attorney Mark SobelI graduated with a BS in Accounting summa cum laude from Touro College in Brooklyn, New York. In college, I developed a strong passion for the study and practice of law. I then attended Fordham University School of Law in New York, New York. During law school, I interned for a judge in Kings County Supreme Court and spent three semesters interning for the New York State Attorney General’s office.

Following graduation from law school, I began my career in a small law firm in Nassau County, New York focusing on civil litigation. I worked for that private firm for approximately six years until my family and I decided to move to Maryland.

Upon moving to Maryland, I immediately began working for the Law Offices of James E. Crawford, Jr. & Associates, working on criminal and civil litigation.

I am committed to vigorously representing my clients in court on all criminal and civil matters. I have been in a courtroom practically every day of my career. I am ready to fight to protect my client’s interests in every case.

Bar Admissions
State of Maryland (2015)
U.D. District Court of Maryland (2016)
U.S. District Court of New Jersey
State of New Jersey (2009) (currently inactive)
State of New York (2010) (currently inactive)
Education
Touro College B.S., Accounting, summa cum laude, January 2006
Fordham University School of Law, J.D., May 2009
Memberships
American Bar Association, Member

Zacery . Groves

Attorney Zack Groves
Attorney Zack GrovesSuccess for our clients does not come from chance or luck. Positive results can only be obtained by grit, determination, and an unwavering goal of getting the best possible result for our clients. One other great lawyer, Abraham Lincoln, was directly on point when he stated, "always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.”

Mr. Lincoln was exactly correct and I have molded my legal career based on this principle. The drive and resolution I possess are the tools that I have used to elevate in the legal profession.

My path to becoming a lawyer illustrates my drive to succeed. At age 18, I had a hunch that perhaps I wanted to become a lawyer, but I wanted to learn firsthand what the practice of law encompassed. At that time, I had no contacts within the field, no legal experience, and no idea how to get started. Despite these challenges, I decided to pick up the yellow book to call local lawyers to inquire about an internship. Naturally, I started with the letter “A” and called every lawyer with an “A” last name. None would accept me. I then moved on to “B” with the same plan. None would accept me. I then moved on to “C” and eventually, when I got to “Cochran”, I finally get an invite to come and meet with an attorney. Despite being rejected over and over again, my resolve did not waiver. This was something I had put my mind to and was willing to work until the goal was reached.

This is where I began my legal career. At age 18, I received an internship with the Law Offices of Eileen Cochran, P.C. My work at this office continued for 4 years in between school years. As an assistant, I learned the inner workings of a private law firm. I attend trials, prepared files, and saw what it took to succeed in private practice. My time in this office cemented my belief that becoming a trial lawyer was my calling.

After completion of college at Saint Mary’s College in Maryland, I then moved to Widener University in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where I graduated in Spring 2005. Throughout law school, I wanted to hone my litigation skills as well as get practical, real-world experience.

My internships included:

Working at the Legal Aid Bureau, Inc. in Maryland where I helped and assisted a number of income clients on issues from family law, landlord-tenant, social security disability benefits, and a host of other civil related issues.
Working at Ahmed Law in Harrisburg, PA for an immigration law firm in which I would handle and assist a number of clients for immigration-related matters.
Working at the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office helping prosecute various criminal matters.
Working in the Civil Law Trial Advocacy Program where, under the direction of Professors, I represented low-income individuals in a variety of civil related matters.
In the Fall of 2007, I decided I wanted to join a Firm that I could establish long-lasting ties. I was given the opportunity when I join the Law Offices of James Crawford, Jr., and Associates. At that time, I was hired as an associate attorney. My primary tasks would be to handle the Firm’s domestic caseload as well as handle a variety of the criminal related matters.

By the Fall of 2010, I was elevated to Senior Associate and head of the Domestic Department. The focus of my practice deals strictly with handling domestic relations matters. I have held this title to date.

One of the many positive attributes that have been gained throughout my nine years of employment here is that vast depth of experience that I have gained. I have been in virtually every Courthouse in the State of Maryland. To be blunt, there is not a Courtroom that I have not seen.

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